Why so much hate for the SC 430?
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,271
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From: Canada
It's sales figures had been posted here before, just search.
The reason the model's sales has dropped rapidly the last couple years is because Lexus never bothered to do much upgrade to the car during facelift, whereas the competitors did.
BTW, the lack of a V6 apparently have no significant effect on the SC430's sales, as it sold as well as the first generation SC despite having more competitors, plus a much more expensive average price tag than the first generation.
Last edited by Gojirra99; Jan 26, 2009 at 09:44 AM. Reason: typo
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: California
I was simply responding to a post that said that there were virtually no mid-size six-cylinder coupes. And the V6 SC we are discussing, unlike the SC430, would not be competing directly against the vehicles you state.
Look how well the first-generation SC300 sold. There is little or no reason to think that a successor version would not also sell, especially considering how expensive the SC430 is. The only thing that would (or could?) keep the sales back is one of the same thing that work against more SC430 sales....the fact that a lot of people (me included) don't think that the second-generation car looks as good as the first, though it does have a superb interior.
So, Henry, I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you on the Lexus motive of keeping the car "exclusive" (that's more or less obvious), but simply the fact that keeping the car that "exclusive" to start with was probably an error. It has cost them sales (the average new car buyer doesn't have 60-70K for a new SC430).....and sales are what Lexus, and many other companies need right now.
Look how well the first-generation SC300 sold. There is little or no reason to think that a successor version would not also sell, especially considering how expensive the SC430 is. The only thing that would (or could?) keep the sales back is one of the same thing that work against more SC430 sales....the fact that a lot of people (me included) don't think that the second-generation car looks as good as the first, though it does have a superb interior.
So, Henry, I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you on the Lexus motive of keeping the car "exclusive" (that's more or less obvious), but simply the fact that keeping the car that "exclusive" to start with was probably an error. It has cost them sales (the average new car buyer doesn't have 60-70K for a new SC430).....and sales are what Lexus, and many other companies need right now.
I'm also sure the BMW 528 and 535 sells more in quantity than the 550.
As some have stated Lexus has definitely kept the SC 430 very exclusive. That's great, at least there's not thousands of SC's running around...
there is no doubt a v6 part will sell more, that's no rocket science about it at all. but my point is the sc430 isn't a car that they care as much about volume. look at the cls550 (half coupe?), 650, sl550, cl550, you don't see their v6 part, at least here in the states. i am sure if they have 6 cylinders in those models, they will sell a lot more too 
Former Sponsor
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I just want to bookmark and reply later, at greater length.
I hated the SC430 when it debuted in 01 as a 02 model. I thought it was a total let down, from the classic lines of the SC3/400.
However when I saw the car with a Autocouture Kit and wheels, along with coilover lowering, I changed my mind!
The SC is not a bad car, as long as your in it for the right reasons. With the prices that 02's are going for now, the car is a absolute steal when you consider its engineering, beautiful interior and folding hardtop.
I hated the SC430 when it debuted in 01 as a 02 model. I thought it was a total let down, from the classic lines of the SC3/400.
However when I saw the car with a Autocouture Kit and wheels, along with coilover lowering, I changed my mind!
The SC is not a bad car, as long as your in it for the right reasons. With the prices that 02's are going for now, the car is a absolute steal when you consider its engineering, beautiful interior and folding hardtop.
didn't know about this color- looks pretty sweet. 
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=25&cardist=62
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=25&cardist=62
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,068
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From: Miami, Florida
Lexus had it right w/ the 1SC formula [long hood+ smooth lines+ good looks= win. Just needed a vert. look how the 6 series compares in proportions. The 430 looks like a bath tub w/ wheels in shape
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,271
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From: Canada
didn't know about this color- looks pretty sweet.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=25&cardist=62
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=25&cardist=62
For those who don't, I've heard it called "turd brown"As for me, I think it's cool and don't mind it, though I probably won't pick it myself
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: tech capital
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You are totally wrong that the SC430 was doomed from the very beginning, it actually sold very well, i.e. beyond their own sales target for the first two years, and on target the next 2-3 years after.
It's sales figures had been posted here before, just search.
The reason the model's sales has dropped rapidly the last couple years is because Lexus never bothered to do much upgrade to the car during facelift, whereas the competitors did.
BTW, the lack of a V6 apparently have no significant effect on the SC430's sales, as it sold as well as the first generation SC despite having more competitors, plus a much more expensive average price tag than the first generation.
It's sales figures had been posted here before, just search.
The reason the model's sales has dropped rapidly the last couple years is because Lexus never bothered to do much upgrade to the car during facelift, whereas the competitors did.
BTW, the lack of a V6 apparently have no significant effect on the SC430's sales, as it sold as well as the first generation SC despite having more competitors, plus a much more expensive average price tag than the first generation.
It is a limited production model. 12k the first year, 10k the next 5 years I believe. They sold out until recently.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,223
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Well, at least it's something different. I get so tired, when I review vehicles, of looking at the color chips for the paint and seeing the same stuff, car after car. It's almost always the same 6 or 7 colors.......blue, dark red/burgandy, white, silver, gray, and black.
Interiors are more or less the same way. It's usually beige/tan, gray, or black.
Interiors are more or less the same way. It's usually beige/tan, gray, or black.
Last edited by mmarshall; Jan 26, 2009 at 06:49 PM.
